Early rays of sunshine infiltrated the throne room revealing the supreme ruler of the elven nation — Ellee — who had a thoughtful look on her delicate face. A messenger knelt before her throne, one who had come from the united human empire, asking for her aid. She had extended them a helping hand in the past but look how it turned out. She had a solemn expression, not betraying her true feelings one bit as she recalled the details.

The gathering of troops at the borders of their nation didn't go unnoticed, and she knew all too well what its true purpose was. — To conquer, to pillage, to exterminate. — Through the years she had countless chance to witness man's cruelty. They would not hesitate to cut the throat of any demi-human or beast-men, — for the record they wouldn't hesitate much to slaughter their own kind.

As the reigning sovereign of a nation that housed both she would not allow any harm to come to her citizens. Her eyes were involuntarily drawn to a shining light— a parting gift — from Ainz. The golden staff which had accompanied her through these long years was just as mesmerizing as the first day she had laid eyes on it. It served as an anchor, as a promise between them, that one day Ainz Ooal Gown would return. She could feel it in her bones — the day when Ainz returns is nearing. She could almost grasp it. — Almost.

The messenger shivered under her gaze, though she was sure that her eyes had no palpable malice in them, she could understand his reaction, — her reputation was tarnished in human circles, so it was only expected. She showed the poor man a gentle smile to put him at ease, but this only seemed to unnerve him further. Getting annoyed at the man's inability to understand her intent, she spoke.

"Be at ease. Although, I have my doubts about the trustworthiness of your master, I shall investigate the matter. If it is truly a world ending threat, then I will dispatch the 8 Sacred Flames to deal with it. So, rest assured, everything will be alright."

The man wiped the sweat off his forehead before he fervently bowed.

"Th- Thank you, your highness!" The man exclaimed before swiftly taking his leave.

As soon as the great double gates closed Ellee let out a sigh.

"Ainz I miss you… I wish you could deal with these matters instead."

"Worry not my lady, I am sure the day of his return is near." The man serving as her personal guard said in a gentle tone as he helped her down the throne. Ellee looked up to him briefly and replied while descending the stairs.

"Yes, thank you Gabriel. I am sure it is."

…

Jircniv paced back and forth in his royal chamber. The news was delivered to him this morning, it was a welcome one as the supreme sovereign of the Sorcerer kingdom had agreed to investigate the matter, and if it turns out serious then she will certainly lend her aid. He didn't know her well, hell they only met a couple of times in total, but he was confident in his ability to judge people. She didn't seem the kind who would abandon those in desperate need of help.

The smile on his visage curled downwards as his delight was extinguished when he got another message. It basically stated that the empire had lost a tenth of its land in no more than a single day.

There was no doubt anymore in his mind — the army could not handle such a foe. He would have to reason with the cardinals to dispatch the scriptures if he wanted the matter to be dealt with.

He grumbled.

"Those greedy bastards always ask for a hefty price…

…well, no matter, I will do what it takes to save my nation from ruin."

He couldn't allow the demons to rampage anymore, the country had already lost a great expanse of fertile land, if it loses anymore then… then there would be famine. That wasn't good. If the people were happy, they would most likely not try to overthrow the government and in extension him…

He already thought about the best course of action if the scriptures were to fail, that was why he had already begun negotiations with the ruler of the elven council, the most influential power in the vicinity.

Still, surely there is something else he could think of… something beneficial… — he pondered as he stopped dead in his tracks at the window overlooking his majestic capitol.

His line of sight was transfixed on a single point high up in the heavens. A new crack spread rapidly in the sky, and soon the thunderous noise of space ripping entered his ears.

He crouched down in pain as his senses were assaulted.

"Arghh! Argghhh! Argghhhhhh! I thought… I thought that I had more time!" He shouted in anguish as he dragged himself forward, intent on leaving his chamber and reaching the room of the magic caster — Fluder.

Guards soon burst into the room and supported the emperor while he made his way to Fluder.

…

Rachel took practiced steps as she entered the throne room and gave a quick bow to the ruler. Though, they had a more intimate relationship, it was best to keep up appearances, after all they didn't want rumors spreading in the royal capital. She also saw Gabriel standing behind the queen.

He was ever present — wherever the queen went, he followed. He was a child she grew up with. One of the few who has managed to survive and rise above the others.

Gabriel was one of the eight sacred flames.

He has changed since then. He always had a somber air around him. He never talked to anyone since the incident, anyone but Ellee. Gabriel was garbed in black, — almost melding into the surroundings.

A shadow lingering, — ready to act.

Rachel wasn't the same child either; she has grown up. She was still only around 5ft, but size was never a good indicator to one's might. Her long crimson hair fluttered as she made her way to the throne.

This chamber was truly massive. A testament to their nation's power and influence.

Finally coming to a halt a few feet before the throne she bowed once more, and waited for Ellee to give permission, upon receiving it Rachel elevated her line of sight and her vertically split platinum orbs beheld the queen. She was still the same loving woman she had come to know so long before. Ellee hadn't lost any of her charm through the centuries, but Rachel could tell. She was hurting.

She could tell that Ellee missed Ainz dearly, she hated it — Rachel hated to see her 'mother' suffer, but there was nothing she could do. Nothing could fill the void left by the great undead.

"You have called for me, your highness?"

"Yes, I have a task for you."

"…"

"Select two of the eight and go to the human nation. Investigate if there truly is a threat waiting there. If the humans had inflated their claims needlessly, hoping to distract us while they try to conquer our lands then… wreak havoc, but make sure civilians aren't involved."

"I here and obey." Rachel said and bowed once more before turning around to leave on the mission entrusted to her.

As she took her leave a {message} connected and she could hear her foster mother's voice.

"Meet me in my chamber... tonight."

Scarlet blushed intensely as she left the throne room, — her mind straying — imagining what the night may bring.

…